It has become a 53-year tradition that players like Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing hate to miss.

“It gets us ready for the season, and in the that mode and getting fans excited,” Perkins said. “It’s fun, and it’s something they don’t even ask me to do anymore. I think they just assume that I’m going to do it and I enjoy it.”

Wednesday at Casa de Esperanza in St. Paul was more than a meet and greet. Players connected with fans by sharing stories and sharing a laugh. The experience gave young fans some insight into what it takes to play a sport for a living.

“What surprised me is I didn’t know they’d play baseball their whole life,” said 11-year-old Giselle.

Giselle’s 8-year-old sister Isabelle said the highlight of the visit was meeting her favorite Twin — T.C. Bear.

“I think it’s pretty cool they came here to meet us and autograph T-shirts,” Isabelle said. “They’re always busy, and go around the world to play the game.”

For Duensing, the caravan adds to the buildup for spring training.

“You talk with fans who are really appreciative about what you do,” he said. “I know we’ve had a few rough seasons, but they’re still optimistic. Anytime you hear and see the support that’s out there, it adds a bounce in our step. Even when things are going poorly, those are the true fans that come out.”

In this hour, John talked to Amelia about what's going to be on the news tonight. Then he discussed an awkward exchange at Torii Hunter's press conference. Finally he talked about his own memory problems and asked listeners if they have simliar troubles.

In this hour, John listened in to some of the Twins press conference re-introducing Torii Hunter. Then he talked to Mike Max about what to expect from Torii. Then he talked about the 50th anniversary of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special